"Video Resume Tips." Part 2

It is often recognized that employers are not always looking to hire the most qualified candidate.  But looking to hire "a personality" rather than "a brain in a jar," suggests applicants accompany any video they send of themselves with a traditional resume and cover letter.

For employers, don't expect them to immediately press the "Play" button right away; but instead, screening candidates on paper first because resumes can initially be perused in 5 seconds instead screening them in 1 to 3 minute segments. Then, once the first round of cuts have been made, it's fine to grab the popcorn and fire up those applicant videos.  But video resumes require creativity with an interesting story-line. Here is an example of a straight-ahead lecture format that leaves much to be desired because it lacks imagination. Click here for such presentation.. 

There are  important tips of what to incorporate in your video resume and what not what to do.  Click here for an excellent "how to" article on how to present yourself more effectively.  This on-line article is entitled "Video Resume Tips."

Cutting Edge Job Seeking Advantages: Video Resumes? Part 1

Looking for a cutting-edge job seeking advantage?  Are you resourceful and creative?  Consider doing a video resume.  A video resume is a short video created by a candidate for employment that describes the individual's skills and qualifications and is typically used to supplement a traditional text-based resume.  The uniqueness of a video resume is that it lets you express himself in a way that can't be accomplished in a traditional resume because "Pictures can speak a thousand words, and a video can speak a million."  Although video resumes were first introduced in the 1980's for use and distribution via VHS tape, the idea never took off beyond the video taping of interviews.  However with the modern capabilities of transmitting streaming video via Internet, video resumes have taken on a new popularity.

Consider this.  Do you have imagination and savvy to effectively get the attention of potential employers instead of just submitting a paper resume and waiting in-line for an job interview call? Video resumes can be the next frontier in jump-starting your employment opportunities if done correctly.  Below are three simple but very effective video resumes to make my point:  Video resumes can effectively get employer's attention within 1 to 3 minutes if done correctly that can quickly accelerate your chances of earning an interview.

1. Must also see this simple but very effective video resume that is so dynamic and eye catching  Click here   
2. Then one of my colleagues' student from the University of Denver that was created to earn job on campus in a media lab.  And he got the job!  Click here.  
3. Here's a present Denver ERC client who is a competition to get a position and presents it all creatively within 59  seconds.  Click here http://www.bestjobaroundtheworld.com/submissions/view/6337. 

It is important to note that video resumes are not for everybody.   But be aware that video resumes could be a short-cut to separating oneself from others in pursuit of an interview.

In next week's sacrament meeting bulletin, I will present an article on tips of making a video resume going far beyond a tradition video lecture presentation.which could be detrimental if planned incorrectly.

Interview Questions from Entrepreneurs

If you are interviewing for a position in a small startup company there are several things to consider. First with an interview invitation your experience and qualifications are already known from your resume. Second the likelihood of you being interviewed by the very person that founded the company is good.

The principal question that they will have is ‘How do you fit into our company?’ So some of the questions asked will be of the ‘Behavioral’ nature. They will be less factual based and more oriented to personality and flexibility; do you fit the ‘Culture’. Small companies need to be fast on their feet and flexible, as do their employees. A Corporate reply of ‘That’s not my job’ won’t fly in a small company.

For an insight into entrepreneurs and ten questions you might be asked, see the full article here.

Five Industries with Job Growth

If you are currently employed in one of five growing fields, your prospects for continued employment and advancement are good.

On the other hand, if you're like most college students or recent graduates, you're worried about the future. You're concerned about the stubbornly mediocre economy, about its impact on your career prospects and your transition into the workforce.

The downturn and the changes in behavior it caused have shifted the dynamics of the job market. In this new economy, we are left wondering what fields will provide the greatest opportunity for advancement. To see the five fields that are showing strong signs of growth see the full article here.

Best Things to Say in Your Interview

Keep these five things in mind as you go through the interviewing process to give yourself the best chance at landing the job.

Ask Good Questions  Doing so shows that you are thoughtful and interested in understanding the company.

“I’m flexible.”  Whether it’s about possible job duties, a start date or timing for the second interview, stressing your flexibility makes you easy to get along with

The Company’s Own Words  Before your interview, become familiar with the company’s website and literature. Mixing keywords into your answers can provide a subtle hint that you are plugged in to what the organization is looking for.

“That’s a Good Question.”  Say this if the interviewer stumps you with a surprise question. It willgive you a few moments to come up with an answer. Avoid the “I don’t know” answer whenever possible.

Reasons You Want the Job.  Talk about how you see yourself in relation to the company and what you believe you can bring to the position.

For more details on these, see the full article here.

Age, Experience, and the Mature Job Seeker

In a multigenerational workplace, age and experience are a good team. However, there can be some truth in the fact that not all companies acknowledge this, and so a more mature job seeker may find themselves struggling to land a job. Here are some resume’ tips for those who have a few more years of experience under their belt.

A key point is to be sure your resume is age-neutral, limit the amount of information so as not to give away your amount of years in the work force. Limit the amount of work history to the past 15 years on your resume.

Format your resume so that the focus is on skills, not dates. List the prior jobs and skills, but without necessarily pinning a date on them. Focus on the skills and achievements themselves, and not when they were accomplished.

For more pointers and details, see the full article here.

How Older Jobseekers Can Compete

So you’re an older job seeker, out there in the market for a new job, or maybe even a new career. After years at one company or in one industry, maybe it’s time to make a change.

But what happens when you are fighting for a job, and competing with all those younger folks out there who may work for less money, or who may have a totally different set of skills to bring a certain employer?

There are a few simple ways in which you, as an older job seeker, can compete with those younger people to ensure that you get the most out of your job and your needs.  For the details see the full article here.